Articles
How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia
Are you planning a trip to Paris, a stroll through the streets of Rome, or an exploration of the stunning landscape of Switzerland? The dream of traveling to Europe begins with one essential step: obtaining a visa. The most common question among travelers from the Kingdom is: " How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? "
The process can seem complex and fraught with details, from scheduling appointments to preparing endless paperwork. Even the slightest error in the documents could result in rejection, jeopardizing your plans and booking costs.
In this detailed guide, we'll answer your question, " How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? " step by step. We'll cover everything from basic requirements to booking an appointment and submitting your application.
Most importantly, we'll provide you with the perfect solution if you'd rather avoid all this complexity and ensure the highest chances of acceptance by enlisting the help of experts.
What is a Schengen visa? And why is it your key to Europe?
Before we delve into "How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?", let's clarify what this visa is. The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls.
This means that once you obtain a Schengen visa from one embassy (such as the French Embassy), you can travel freely between all member states (such as Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, etc.) without the need for additional visas for each country. It's a single visa that opens the doors to the entire continent.
How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? (Detailed steps)
Here's a practical answer to the question, "How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" Follow these steps in order to ensure a proper application.
Step 1: Determine the country and visa type
Selecting a country: You must submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the longest part of your trip. If the durations are equal, submit your application to the embassy of the country of first arrival.
Determine the type of visa: For tourism purposes, you will need a “Schengen visa type C” (Short-stay visa).
Step 2: Prepare the required documents and papers (Schengen visa requirements)
This is the most important step in the "How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" process. Requirements vary slightly from embassy to embassy, but the basic documents are:
Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure date from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages.
Personal photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (white background) (3.5x4.5 cm).
Application form: Filled out electronically or manually (depending on the embassy) and signed.
Travel insurance: A travel insurance policy covering at least EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen countries.
Flight Reservations: Confirmed flight reservation (round trip).
Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations for all nights of your stay, or a formal letter of invitation if you will be staying with a friend or relative.
Itinerary: A simple daily plan for your trip.
Proof of financial capacity (bank statement): A bank statement for the last 3 to 6 months, showing good financial activity and sufficient balance to cover the costs of the trip.
HR Letter: A recent letter from your employer (in English) detailing your position, salary, start date, and vacation period. It must be stamped and signed.
Step 3: Book an appointment for a Saudi Schengen visa.
Most Schengen embassies in Saudi Arabia (such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar) do not accept applications directly. Instead, they work with authorized service centers such as:
VFS Global: Serves embassies such as Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, and France (in some regions).
TLScontact: Serves embassies such as France (in other regions).
You must visit the website of the authorized center for the country you will be applying to, create an account, and choose an available appointment to submit your documents and have your fingerprints (biometric data) taken.
Step 4: Submit the application and pay the fees.
On the day of your appointment, go to the center (VFS or TLS) with all your original documents and copies. An employee will review your documents, take your fingerprints (if you haven't been fingerprinted within the last 5 years), and then pay the fee.
Schengen visa fees: currently €80 for adults.
Centre Service Fee: Additional fees charged by the centre (e.g. VFS) for their service.
Step 5: Wait for the decision
After submitting your application, your passport and documents will be sent to the embassy for a decision. A Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia typically takes 15 to 21 business days to process, but may take longer during peak seasons.
Schengen visa requirements for residents of Saudi Arabia (non-Saudis)
If you are a resident of the Kingdom, the answer to "How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" includes an additional requirement. In addition to all the requirements listed above, you must submit:
A copy of your Saudi residence permit: It must be valid for at least 3 months after your return date from Europe.
Exit and re-entry visa: (in some cases and depending on the embassy) to prove that the Saudi authorities allow you to return.
Frequently Asked Questions: How easy is the Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia and what should I do if it is rejected?
What is the easiest Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? Many believe that countries like Lithuania, Latvia, or Greece may be easier in terms of processing speed. However, the "easiest" is always applying to the country where you have genuine reservations and complete documents. Applying to the French or German embassy with strong documents is better than applying to another embassy with weak documents.
What should I do if my Schengen visa is rejected? You will receive a rejection letter explaining the reasons (e.g., insufficient funds, doubtful intention to return, etc.). You can address the reason for the rejection and reapply, or file an appeal against the decision.
Is the process of "How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" complicated? Let the experts help!
As you've seen, answering the question "How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" requires a lot of precision, time, and effort. Preparing a bank statement, drafting a cover letter, ensuring hotel and flight reservations match, and scheduling appointments on time can all be tedious.
This is where City Squares Company comes in.
Why go through the hassle of searching and worrying about rejection when you can hand your application over to specialized experts? At City Squares, we offer the Schengen visa processing service as part of our VIP services package and premium services.
We don't just answer your questions about "How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?" We also handle the entire process for you:
Thorough review of all your documents.
Fill out the embassy forms (application) professionally.
Book an appointment that suits you at VFS or TLS.
Providing consultations to ensure the highest possible acceptance rate.
With City Squares, your travel to Europe becomes a worry-free experience, so you can focus solely on planning your trip.
About Us: City Squares Company - Your Strategic Partner in the Kingdom and Abroad
While many people ask, " How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? " As a gateway to tourism, we at City Squares look beyond that. We open doors to greater opportunities, whether for business travel or establishing your entire business in the heart of the Kingdom.
City Squares is a leading company in a wide range of services, including public relations, government relations, corporate communications, international marketing, tourism, company formation services in Saudi Arabia , and commercial contracting in the private and public sectors. The company has successfully contracted with the largest Gulf companies in the private and public sectors, managing projects and providing innovative consulting services, and specializing in the industry and professionalism of establishing various types of companies.
The company has a team with extensive professional and engineering capabilities to accomplish projects and accomplishments both inside and outside the Kingdom. The team specializes in vital areas such as corporate communications and public relations, consulting and marketing services, as well as government and private sector engagement and solutions, logistics, support, government contracting, digital government, and governance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It relies on cadres with over fifteen years of practical experience and competence, and has branches in the Kingdom, the Sultanate of Oman, and Bahrain. It is a source of Gulf and Arab expertise, with over 100 employees dedicated to assisting in business and achieving success in establishing companies in Saudi Arabia, guiding them efficiently and in the shortest possible time. The company covers all business requirements with integrity and transparency in providing services. It coordinates and collaborates with international companies, exchanges expertise, and aspires to expand internationally and locally.
Sahat Al Madinah Company has also gained superiority and distinction over other competing companies, distinguished by its provision of all distinguished incorporation services using the latest modern methods. It possesses comprehensive experience and the management staff to establish companies, achieving the desired results and objectives. Customer satisfaction and service evaluation are its top priorities.
Our statistics speak for us:
+220 commercial and industrial companies (established).
+1,320 clients and PRs worldwide.
Chairman's Speech: International Expert Mohammed bin Rashid bin Adwan
Dear members and clients of “Sahat Al Madinah Company” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its branches in the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt, I am pleased to welcome you by browsing the company profile. You will be able to learn about our history and most prominent achievements, as well as view the latest services and smart solutions that we provide in the world of finance, economics and business.
The development of "City Squares" Company in recent years has been amazing. We were one of the first companies to start international company formation services in various countries around the world. We faced significant logistical challenges, which we were able to overcome, until we reached our current form.
City Squares Company works in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, may God protect him, Oman Vision 2040 launched by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, may God protect him, Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Egypt Vision 2030 launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, may God protect him. City Squares Company seeks to implement its work in accordance with the support and visions of Arab countries in the success of the Arab, African and global economy and investment.
The success achieved by “Sahat Al Madinah Business Services and Public Relations Company” on more than one level in its work, which has been regular since its establishment, testifies to it being a company that has achieved high credibility with its local, regional and international clients, and seeks to develop its strategic partnerships around the world in the field of economic business and corporate marketing communication to highlight the best performance and mental image between establishments and their audiences on the international and local levels.
“City Squares Company” has been able to implement hundreds of successful projects in various fields, which contributed to the rise of many small and large companies at the Arab and international levels in establishing their companies and presenting and preparing quick commercial deals between establishments in the public and private sectors and providing them with all consultations, economic feasibility studies, administrative and industrial services with VIP service and receiving delegations. It is also distinguished by the confidentiality of information in all services for all its clients.
Finally, I can only thank our clients and agents, whom we consider our partners in this success, and everyone who has placed their trust in us and relied on us through their cooperation with Sahat Al Madinah Company to manage and expand their businesses. They are our true wealth and treasure, and I promise them that we will exert our utmost effort and knowledge so that we may always remain worthy of this trust.
(Mohammed bin Rashid - Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Our comprehensive services: from company formation to facilitating travel procedures
At City Squares, we don't offer a single service, but rather a comprehensive suite of solutions to support investors, businessmen, and VIPs. Whether you're asking, " How do I get a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? " for an urgent business trip, or you're looking to establish a foreign company in Saudi Arabia, our expertise is at your service.
We specialize in company formation services in Saudi Arabia, facilitating the issuance of Ministry of Investment licenses for Gulf and foreign companies, and providing commercial services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in both the public and private sectors.
With City Squares, we offer not just one service, but a wide range of services that give you the confidence to enter into projects with a company that has extensive experience and has provided project establishment and management services to major brands inside and outside the Kingdom, ensuring the success of your project from the beginning of establishing your company in Saudi Arabia until the launch of your projects and businesses.
We offer factory registration and licensing services, with administrative staff specialized in establishing companies in the Kingdom. They have extensive experience in government and public relations, as well as legal expertise in Saudi regulations and laws for establishing foreign companies and serving investors.
Our expertise includes:
Issuance of articles of association.
Entry and exit of companies and amendment of articles of association.
Transfer of company ownership, amendment of corporate entity, and merger of companies.
Registering commercial agencies (franchises) for private and governmental establishments and international companies.
VIP service, review and follow-up in all government ministries.
Completing all transactions for clients within Saudi Arabia and serving investors from outside Saudi Arabia.
List of our integrated services:
Premium accommodation services
Company formation services in Saudi Arabia
Factory establishment services in Saudi Arabia
International Partnership Services
Environmental Licensing Services in Saudi Arabia
Registering contracting companies with Aramco
Our Media Center Services
VIP services and delegation reception
Trademark and Commercial Agencies Registration
Public Relations and Communication Services
Post-incorporation services
Premium Residence Services (repeated to emphasize importance)
Schengen visa extraction
Industrial security services
Our credibility and vision: the foundation of our commitment
About City Squares and Our Credibility
City Squares is proud to be a permanent member of the Saudi and Arab Chambers of Commerce, which play a significant role in promoting trade and investment relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Arab and foreign countries. City Squares' services range from facilitating entry into Saudi and Arab markets, preparing research and business reports for project owners, providing networking opportunities for investors and businessmen, and providing visa services.
City Squares invites its distinguished clients to attend conferences and evenings held at the company's headquarters and branches, as well as outside of them. These events bring together a wide range of businesspeople, high-level government officials, and representatives of major companies from the financial and business community. The goal is to build a broad network of relationships that will help them support their businesses and projects and achieve their goals of achieving global recognition through all the services the company provides.
Our message
To be a partner of success in all Arab, African and international countries, linking public relations and corporate communications in exchanging international expertise and services that flourish in countries of the world and developing them through exchanging business in the best performance of a global mental image. City Squares also aspires to have a presence in all countries of the world through the professional services it provides, such as establishing economic businesses, public relations services, corporate and marketing communications, media services, holding forums and events, and many other local and international logistical services with all their services.
Our vision
Sahat Al Madinah Company is looking forward to expanding its relations with governmental and private bodies inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, developing public relations and corporate communication in the governmental and private sectors to serve the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030, and the vision of the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt 2030, and developing export and investment services inside and outside the Kingdom for mutual economic development. It seeks to apply and implement smart ideas to reach a high level with the highest quality and professionalism, and for Sahat Company to be the first Arab and global company in providing distinguished services and providing high-quality solutions to businessmen in our Arab world, and adding new horizons for them in an open world not governed by borders.
Our values
City Squares Company establishes a permanent and solid partnership with its clients and gives them the highest priority. All the solutions and services it provides are based not only on meeting all their needs, but also on exceeding their expectations and achieving their business.
Our regional presence: City Square branches
We serve you wherever you are, with our strategically located branches:
City squares in Saudi Arabia
City squares in Egypt
City squares in Amman
Start your journey today: whether to Europe or for investment
Whether your primary question is " How do I obtain a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia? " for a pleasant tourist trip, or you're an investor looking for a reliable partner to establish a business in the Kingdom, City Squares is your one-stop destination.
We have the legal, administrative, and government relations expertise to ensure your transactions are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Don't hesitate to contact us. Let the experts take care of it.
Contact us now for consultation and to start the service:
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Business Consulting Services in Saudi Arabia
Steps to register on the Aramco Supplier Portal
The most powerful company formation company in the Middle East
The best company formation service in the Middle East
Why City Squares is your first choice for company formation in Saudi Arabia
Ready to start your project? Request your service and begin your journey with us!
International Expert Mohammed bin Rashid bin Adwan